Research Associate - INSERT study

University of the West of England; Bristol; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job description

About this role:

This is an opportunity for an early career researcher to support the delivery of a new NIHR-funded research project focused on understanding the Implementation of Nursing Associates in Adult Secondary Care.

You’ll use mixed methods to conduct research both individually and as part of the team, including realist methodology; literature reviews; interviews with patients, carers and NHS staff; and surveys. Some national travel will be required.

You will be expected to manage your own workload, seeking guidance and advice where necessary from the Project Manager, Chief investigators and wider research team.

This exciting project is led at UWE Bristol by Dr Zoe Anchors and Dr Laura Goodwin, within our School of Health and Social Wellbeing but is also a collaboration with colleagues at the University of Bristol, other Higher Education Institutions, NHS Trusts and Health Agencies.

The project starts on 1 September 2025 and will run for 30 months.

About you:

We are looking for a self-motivated individual with recent experience of conducting research within health or social care, and ideally with experience of interviewing people about health services.

You should be skilled in collecting, analysing and interpreting research data, and have familiarity with the ethical and legal requirements for health research. You should also be able to effectively contribute to obtaining ethical approvals, report writing and dissemination. Experience with social media and/or website development is desirable.

You must be well organised, possess strong communication skills and have the ability to work effectively as part of a team. You should be able to confidently manage your own workload, research resources and administrative activities.

Where is this role based?

This post is based at our Glenside Campus which is set within beautiful grounds in Stapleton, just three miles north east of Bristol City Centre.

Why UWE Bristol?

We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from right across the globe. Based in Bristol, one of the UK’s most exciting and forward-thinking cities, we are regionally embedded and globally connected, with an established network of employer and academic partners.

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including progressive pay rates, generous annual leave and career average pension schemes as well as retail savings, onsite nursery and opportunities for training and personal development.

We also provide a tailored professional programme to support our academic colleagues in delivering the highest in professional teaching standards.

Add your individuality to ours

UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community.

We are proud to be part of a vibrant, multicultural city that celebrates diversity, we’re always looking for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our growing community and find yourself in a stimulating and supportive environment where you’ll thrive.

We particularly encourage applications from global majority candidates as we are currently under-represented in this area of the organisation, however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit.

As a Disability Confident employer, we welcome applications from those who identify as having a disability.

Further information

If you would like to speak to us to find out more about this role please contact Zoe Anchors on 0117 328 1882 or email: [e-mail]

This is a fixed-term post until 29/02/2028 and is full-time working on a 1.0FTE contract.

This post is available on a job share basis for applicants wishing to work part time.

This post requires basic DBS clearance.

Right to Work in the UK:

The University has a legal responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. You will therefore be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK, please refer to the Home Office Right to Work Checklist for information on which documents are acceptable.

We may be able to sponsor qualifying candidates for this role under the Home Office Skilled Worker visa route. Please read our Skilled Worker Guidance to assess if you will be eligible.

Candidates without current Right to Work in the UK who are not eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship or another Global Talent visa route, may wish to look into the Global Talent Peer Review route. This is a self-application process and is subject to you meeting qualifying criteria.

You may also wish to explore other visa options which will allow you to work in the UK.

Please note that UWE Bristol does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.

Advice to applicants

We’d love to hear from you - if you are excited about this opportunity please complete our application form as soon as possible.

Tell us how your skills and experience relate to the requirements of this role by describing how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the Person Specification section of the Job Description, and include specific examples wherever possible.

Once we have completed shortlisting we will let you know the outcome of your application by email, so please check your inbox for updates.